No “Military Solution” for Azerbaijan-Armenia Conflict

Iran has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to hold talks and reach an agreement following a sharp escalation of fighting between the two countries over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said that the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia has no “military solution.”

She expressed regret over the killing of Azeri soldiers in the recent military conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia and said Iran is concerned about skirmishes between the two sides.

Afkham invited both Armenia and Azerbaijan to exercise restraint.

The Iranian spokeswoman’s remarks came as at least 15 people have been killed in skirmishes between Azeri government forces and ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in a flare-up of violence over the last few days.

Iran’s ambassador to Baku has also called on Azerbaijan and Armenia to resolve the conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region through dialogue.

Mohsen Pakayeen said the ongoing border clashes between the two neighbors “are not in favor of security of the region.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran wants a peaceful solution to Nagorno-Karabakh dispute,” he said.

Pakayeen also called on regional countries to help settle the dispute, saying Iran is ready to mediate between Baku and Yerevan.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has also strongly condemned recent terrorist moves by foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants near Lebanon’s border with conflict-stricken Syria.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham stressed that the Islamic Republic supports stability and peace in Lebanon.

She expressed hope that Lebanon would succeed in seeing out the ongoing critical period by strengthening national unity and solidarity among all political currents.

Afkham emphasized that Takfiri groups pose a danger to regional peace and stability and called on the international community to fight the ominous phenomenon of terrorism and its sponsors.

The Iranian spokeswoman expressed sympathy with the Lebanese government, resilient nation and bereaved families of the victims of recent terrorist activities in the country.

Clashes erupted in the eastern border town of Arsal, situated 124 kilometers (77 miles) northeast of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Saturday after Takfiri terrorists attacked an army checkpoint.